The Project on Riverbank Protection Works Phase II
Project Period: November 2010 to October 2014 (48 months)
Country: Lao PDR Client: JICA

Outline:
NEWJEC provided technical assistance for the capacity development of Lao engineers
through pilot construction on riverbank protection works using traditional method with local
material at 3 provinces.
- Paoy Site, Bokeo Province: L=200m at the Mekong River- Pakthoay Site, Bolikhamxay Province: L=200m at the Mekong River- Souanlouang (Nasa) Site, Luangprabang Province: L=240m at the Khan River

Riverbank Protection Works Using Traditional Method with Local Material- Application of "Soda (Fascine)" Method for the Mekong River Revetment (e.g., gabions)Introduction
In Laos, public property and assets have rapidly become concentrated in thecity of Vientiane, and hence there is an urgent need for protection against theerosion of the Mekong riverbank. Riverbank protection works with gabionboxes were actively carried out with foreign assistance in the 1990's, and yetsome reaches suffered damage within a few years after completion, possibly
due to inadequacy of the foundation and foot protection works.
The Soda (fascine) Mattress system was introduced and developed in Japan in
the early years of the Meiji era (1868-1912), and was extensively used for groins
and dyke-foot protection. Brushwood, twigs and stones are the principal
materials of Soda Mattresses. These materials and relevant equipment arereadily available locally within Laos, and accordingly the Soda Mattress system
could be a suitable and sustainable method of riverbank protection in Laos.

FailureWork
down
Scouring

Wash away oftoe material

Mechanism of Revetment Failure
Revetment (e.g., gabions)

Foot protection works
Scour prevention

Function of Foot Protection Works

Typical Cross Section (Ban Dongphosi Site)

Distinctive Features of Soda Mattress Soda Mattresses are so flexible that they can change shape and follow theriverbed changes, and are thus effectiveness for the riverbank foot protection.
 Materials are readily available locally.
 Soda Mattresses can be fabricatedin various sizes according to thesite terrain.
 Since native plants and stones areused, Soda Mattresses do notcontaminate the naturalenvironment, and their highly porous
structure creates habitats for smallfish.

LPBVTE BLM

Pilot Construction in Vientiane Capital (VTE)
Mekong River, 2003-2004

Pilot Construction in Bokeo Province(BKO), Mekong River, 2011-2012

BKO

After Construction(May 2012, May 2014)

Location Map of Pilot Project Sites

After Construction (Jun. 2014)

Pilot Construction in Bolikhamxay
Province (BLM), Mekong River, 2012-2013

Pilot Construction in Luangprabang
Province (LPB), Khan River, 2013-2014

Source: Pilot Project on Soda Mattress as a Means of Riverbank Erosion Protection at
the Mekong River, 1st APHW Conference, March 2003
JICA “The Study on Mekong Riverbank Protection around Vientiane
Municipality” Final Report, December 2004
JICA “The Project on Riverbank Protection Works Phase II” Project Work
Completion Report, August 2014

Before Construction (Dec. 2010)

Before Construction (Dec. 2010)

Before Construction (May 2012)

After Construction (May 2014)